Six Flags to retrofit Goliath with seatbelts after fatal rider ejection

Six Flags will install seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park after a rider fell from the ride earlier this month. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, was ejected from his seat during a run. The coaster features a 165-foot initial drop followed by a second plunge of 180 feet. As Kariem fell, he struck other cars on the track.

Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. In response, the company temporarily closed Goliath and eight other rides across five different parks. Goliath currently uses a lap bar that locks across the rider's waist. This specific restraint system was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard.

John Reilly, the company's chief executive, stated on Friday that the event deeply affected the organization. He confirmed that seatbelts will be added to other coasters that use a similar restraint system, though he did not list the specific rides included in the update. The park has also commissioned an independent review of safety procedures for all its attractions.

"I know trust is earned through actions and not words," Reilly said. "We will continue to communicate about our progress and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments to you."

The incident occurs while Six Faces faces a lawsuit over its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Court documents describe allegations of negligence by a group of former riders who claim they suffered brain injuries on that coaster. A recent CNN investigation reported a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to X2. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.